Sasuke finally saw things clearly. The black-robed figure never asked anything of him and had helped him countless times without seeking anything in return.
'Perhaps this was the demeanor of a true powerhouse… calm and unhurried, aiding even someone considered an adversary, exuding extraordinary grace.'
However, there was one thing Sasuke couldn't understand, prompting him to ask, "To be honest, I already know you're Naruto's nemesis. Why are you helping me?"
The black-robed figure trembled slightly, "Nemesis? I've never even met him. And yet I'm considered his nemesis? What an annoying and clingy nuisance."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
'Even if she claimed she hadn't met Naruto, her familiarity with him suggested a deeper connection.'
"As for why I'm helping you, the answer is simple."
The black-robed figure's tone changed, "Because you're my future husband. Helping you is only natural."
"Pfft!"
Her words made Sasuke cough violently.
"Stop joking. Is that really why you're helping me?"
Sasuke felt like the black-robed figure was teasing him.
Her tone changed again, growing serious, "Are you saying that your promise to accompany me in the future is a joke?"
Hearing the displeasure in her voice, Sasuke also restrained his emotions and responded seriously, "Even if you are Naruto's nemesis, as long as you help me achieve my revenge, I will honor my promise!"
That was Sasuke's principle.
"Even if it means betraying Naruto?"
The black-robed figure's question made Sasuke fall silent.
Seeing this, the black-robed figure fell onto the bed, "Forget it, I'm tired. Just remember what you said today."
"I will."
Sasuke nodded firmly and sat cross-legged on the ground to continue training.
The night passed without further incident.
At dawn the next morning, Sasuke headed to the top floor.
"Do you need something?"
Pain spoke coolly.
Sasuke got straight to the point, "Hand over the poison."
"What poison?"
Pain's eyes narrowed slightly.
Sasuke pondered for a moment and said, "I want to join the Akatsuki and participate in your operations. So, I need to take the same poison as Naruto."
"Reason?"
Pain tapped the table rhythmically.
Sasuke continued, "Are you giving it to me or not?"
"Fine!"
Pain retrieved a small black pill and handed it to Sasuke.
Without hesitation, Sasuke took the pill and swallowed it in one gulp.
"I welcome strong individuals like you to join us."
From Pain's perspective, anyone who took the poison was now under his control. As long as he held leverage, he didn't care about Sasuke's intentions.
"I assume this qualifies me to take part in your plans now."
Sasuke said flatly.
He couldn't locate Pain's actual body and it would take the black-robed figure a long time to decipher the Chakra signals, but Sasuke had no patience to simply sit and wait while training.
Ever since learning that Naruto might still be alive, his thoughts had been a mess.
At this moment, even if he couldn't kill his enemies right away, joining the Akatsuki and involving himself in their plans seemed like the best course of action.
Disrupting their schemes might not directly expose the mastermind behind Pain, but it would certainly frustrate him, perhaps even provoke a reckless move. Plus, this was far more satisfying than monotonous training.
"Of course, you're more than qualified to participate. But what about your companion? Shouldn't they also join?"
Pain made no attempt to conceal his suspicion, "I can trust you, but I cannot yet trust your companion. If they take the poison, I'll arrange for you two to operate as a pair."
"This…"
Sasuke hadn't anticipated this move from Pain.
The black-robed figure needed to stay at the Akatsuki's tower to continue deciphering the Chakra signals.
However, if the two of them became a team but didn't leave the Akatsuki's base, it would only make Pain even more suspicious.
At that moment, a shadow suddenly appeared… It was the black-robed figure.
"Give me the poison."
The black-robed figure stretched out her hand.
"Straightforward."
Pain remarked, placing another black pill on the table.
"Now, let me see your true face."
He was eager to uncover the black-robed figure's identity. After all, the most terrifying enemy wasn't a powerful one, but a mysterious one lurking in the shadows.
"True face?"
The black-robed figure chuckled coldly, "You've got quite the imagination. I agreed to join the organization for Sasuke's sake, not because of you."
As she said that, she crushed the small black pill into powder, then mixed it into a glass of water beside her.
Then, from beneath her robe, she revealed her hand and produced a syringe. Drawing the poisoned water into the syringe, she directly injected it into a vein on the back of her hand.
"Poison doesn't necessarily have to be swallowed."
The black-robed figure said icily, her words dripping with mockery.
Pain's body trembled, suppressing the urge to strike her down on the spot.
However, for the sake of the plan, he endured.
Now that the powerful black-robed figure has joined, Pain believed it will definitely be a great help to the plan. Temporary restraint was necessary to ensure smooth completion of the plan.
"Enough. I'm tired. I'll have Konan assign you your tasks later. You may leave." Pain said, waving his hand as the door opened.
"You…"
Sasuke wanted to speak but was pulled back to their room by the black-robed figure.
Once they returned to their room, Sasuke looked embarrassed, "I didn't expect him to pull that stunt. I ended up dragging you into this."
"Don't worry, this kind of pediatric poison has no effect on me."
As she said that, the black-robed figure took out a small white pill and handed it to Sasuke.
Without hesitation, Sasuke swallowed it. And at the next moment, the poison in his body completely dissipated, and his originally heavy chest was relieved.
Before Sasuke could speak, the black-robed figure continued, "I know what's really bothering you… it's not the poison but uncovering the person behind that leader. Don't worry. I'll leave a clone here to continue deciphering the Chakra signals. You just need to focus on your plans. I've already told you… I'll help you achieve your revenge."
Caught off guard by her perceptiveness, Sasuke scratched his head awkwardly. "I'm sorry, I was narrow-minded. I promise I won't try to be clever again."
"You're my future husband. It's good that you have your own ideas, but remember this… you must never deceive me again."
The black-robed figure said thoughtfully, "If we're to be together in the future, your habit of keeping secrets will only trouble me."
"Don't worry, it won't happen again." Sasuke said firmly.
Once again, he felt a profound sense of security and reliability from the black-robed figure.
She had given him so much, both mentally and physically, helping him grow in ways he hadn't thought possible.
Sasuke even began to suspect that, despite her small stature, she might not be the same age as him. After all, her vast knowledge and composed demeanor were far beyond what someone his age could possess.